Recipe: $3.60 | Per Serving: $0.30 | Yield: 12
Dark cocoa powder pairs with the nutty and buttery flavor of toasted pecans, the rich molasses flavor of fresh Medjool dates, and a hearty dose of hemp seeds for protein and healthy fat in these Dark Chocolate Pecan Date Bite Truffles!
According to my Instagram followers, about 35% of people are over it when it comes to date bites, but for the other 65% of us who are still into them, THIS recipe is for you!
I have been making some version of these for years, and my nutrition clients/patients are quite familiar with this recipe recommendation - it's a great way to get your chocolate fix from real food. This is like a desserty style snack that's more filling than a piece of candy, and a really great option for Bento Boxes!
5 Ingredient Chocolate Truffles - what you need:
- pecans
- hemp seeds
- cocoa powder
- dates
- vanilla extract
- (...and salt!)
That's it! They're super rich and chocolatey and delicious. I like to toss them in my bento box / snack box for lunch.
Why Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds are one of my favorite additions to date bites, and a great source of plant-based protein. Three tablespoons contain 10 grams of protein! They're also a good source of vitamin E and healthy fats, and contain the omega-3 precursor ALA.
Plus, they're mild in flavor and can easily be combined with other foods.
Other delicious Date Bite recipes:
✨ PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER! ☺️
*I did want to note that Trader Joe's carries pecans, hemp seeds, and Medjool dates for about half of what I've seen elsewhere, including on Thrive Market (affiliate link). This is priced by what I purchased at Trader Joe's, and, as always, may be more expensive based on your local availability.
Paleo: Yep
Vegetarian: Yep! And Vegan
Chocolate Pecan Date Bite Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- ¾ cup dates pits removed (Medjool tend to be the juiciest) equals about 7 large Medjool dates, or approx 4-5 oz w/o the pits
- 1 ½ Tablespoons cocoa powder Equal Exchange, Hershey's Special Dark, etc.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- If needed: 1-2 Tablespoons water to help blend
Instructions
- Tip: if your dates are hard or old, you can soak them in warm water for about 3-5 minutes prior to using to help them blend better. Any longer and they will absorb too much water and your date bite truffles will be VERY sticky.
- Add pecans to a small saucepan and warm over low heat. Toast for about 3-4 minutes, watching closely to ensure they don't burn. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large food processor, add all ingredients except the water and the hemp seeds.
- Process and/or pulse until the ingredients get a bit crumbly but stay together when pressed. If it doesn't seem like it is coming together, add a bit of water, about 2 teaspoons at a time. Add the hemp seeds and pulse a few times.
- Note: you can add the hemp seeds earlier to make it easier, but it can make the dough a bit crumbly.
- Using a spoon or a scooper, divide the dough into roughly 1-Tablespoon balls, then squeeze and roll between your hands to smooth out. If it doesn't stay together, add a touch of warm water and mix again!
Thanks for sharing! Can these be frozen?
Absolutely! I have frozen them - I usually thaw them in the fridge the night before or just toss them in a lunch box in the morning and they're ready by lunch.
Wow! My family loved this recipe and I loved how easy it was to make. Thanks!